In almost every case the book packets were received with manifest pleasure. j Many bowed their thanks, and a few tuned aside to express them verbally There was very little rudeness shown, or {bad language heard. The few who declined did~ <0, as the oreign Bureau interpreter explained, because his heart is full of mad," or, in other words, because they were in' a bad temper. We were exceedingly thankful all went of {so well, and deeply indebted to the authorities for the arrangements they made. There was no preaching, and yet it was an all-day sermon which would be heard in every corner of this hitherto hard and hostile province. When the students saw the foreigners there in force, with the friendly approval of their own officials, they required no telling to understand the text. It was, "from this time onward it is desired that peace and har-many may prevail between the men of the Middle and Quter Kingdoms." Further, the books distributed were in every way'designed to enforce that text. They will be carried far and wide; they will be carefully read, and with the Divine blessing may result in the highest good to many, There are already various candidates for the honour of having opened 'Hunan, and we have no hesitation in adding' two more to the list, namely, the str. Changwo and the recent book distribution. Before concluding the subct, we may be allowed to say here that various distributions this year have ined the treasury of the Central Tract Society dry. Should this catch the eye of any of the Society's friends, they be assured that the Secretary would be exesedingly grateful to receive "a note" from them.
Items of Information.
In talking with one and another, we picked up several items of information of greater or less interest. We learned that the Examination was more poorly attended than usual on account of the abolition of the Wenchang, and the new regulations. Still, of those who came, one in a hundred could hope to their degree, The first paper set, did not differ much from what they had hitherto been accustomed te.
Hed for essays on the following themes, each not to exceed three dred characters ~The laws of wealth,—The differences and resemblances between the six Beards of the present day, and the six officers of the Chouli.
Ping L desired the government not the difficulties north the river.
hou Ko-liang with sincere heart distributed justice.
—Tai Tsung, of the Tan; dynasty, wrote the natness " Overseer, Examinations of one kind or another had been going on in Changsha since the beginning of the year. One of the latest was the Hengchou prefectural examination, which could not be eld at Hengchi on account of the city being under xin for the Catholic Missionaries killed tiore in 1900, It would be interesting to know what the Foreign Ministers really meant in thus banning cities. Did they design that the literati of those cities should not be able to attend examinations at all during the period fixed? If so, they have been diddled again. If, how: ever, they simply intended to make the literati spend a few more cash in travelling expenses it is all right; only there is very little punishment in that.
Th: Proposed Opening of Changsha.
The prospect of having Changsha made an open port is generally welcomed. One official said the only mistake was that they did not open the city eighteen months ago. Then all the foreigners would have been confined to a concession, instead of swarming all over the place as at present, and making their protection a problem. They could not say where the new concession would be located, but by far the best site is on the river side out side the north gate. The Catholic Mission thinks that is bound to be the spot, and [has bought it all up. Tt is necessary to start pretty carly to get ahead of the holy. fathers.
Mint Fhas been started with foreign plant. It is turning out bronze cents, or ten-cash picees. They are something of a curiosity from the fact that in the word " Hunan" they have got the " U" upside down, thus, "H-NAY."
Chou Han is still alive. He is confined in the Prefect's jail, and has every comfort which
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.